A Panel Painted With A Skull Motif In The Memento Mori Tradition, Late 19th/early 20th Century

An intriguing antique panel, hand-painted on boiled cardboard, depicting a skull surmounting a pair of crossed tibias.
This iconography is part of the memento mori tradition, an ancient universal symbol of death. It also evokes certain historical motifs, such as the so-called “Adam’s skulls” found at the foot of crucifixes, as well as certain depictions associated with major epidemics, sometimes featured in popular imagery related to the plague (e.g., plague panel).
The expressive, almost grotesque treatment of the skull, combined with the type of material used, suggests that this object served a practical and visual purpose. This panel may have been used as a fairground attraction or as a funerary decoration, drawing on the conventions of popular macabre imagery.
The piece now displays a beautiful patina of use, with wear, chips, and alterations consistent with an antique object that has been on display.

Condition: there is visible wear, chips, and missing pieces along the edges.
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Period: late 19th – early 20th century.
Dimensions: Width 30 cm – Height 43 cm.

For information: the price indicated is without shipping.
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